Atty. William Buford Bates
William Buford Bates is a lawyer practicing general civil law, criminal trial practice in state and federal courts. William received a degree from YMCA Night Law School, and has been licensed for 60 years.
Criminal Trial Practice in State and Federal Courts & More Attorney · Serving Nashville, TN · 60+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About William Buford Bates at a Glance
William Buford Bates is a criminal defense and litigation attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee. They have 60+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1966. Admitted to practice in Tennessee (1966), U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee (1969), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (1970). Educated at Nashville School of Law (LL.B., 1965) and YMCA Night Law School (—). Serves clients in Nashville, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About William Buford Bates
- William Buford Bates is a lawyer practicing general civil law, criminal trial practice in state and federal courts
- William received a degree from YMCA Night Law School, and has been licensed for 60 years
- William practices in Nashville, TN
Practice Areas Explained
William Buford Bates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William Buford Bates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Nashville.
Criminal Defense in Nashville
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
William Buford Bates is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Tennessee →
Civil Litigation in Nashville
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
William Buford Bates is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Tennessee →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Nashville
Practicing law in Tennessee. Legal matters in Tennessee are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Nashville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Tennessee state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Tennessee brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Tennessee courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Nashville Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Nashville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Tennessee attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Nashville or all attorneys in Tennessee.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Nashville Choose William Buford Bates
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish William Buford Bates's practice in the field of criminal defense and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
William Buford Bates brings 60+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Tennessee, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, William Buford Bates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense and litigation, William Buford Bates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Nashville
A Nashville-based practice means William Buford Bates attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find William Buford Bates Online
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William Buford Bates's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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